WHY DOMINIC CHANGED HIS PREJUDICE TO AUSTEN

DRAMATISATIONS of Jane Austen novels were something I would watch on the television to stop my girlfriend from sulking."

That was the attitude of actor Dominic Taylor before he landed himself a role in the stage adaptation of Austen's classic, Emma.

Now the former London's Burning star has, in a dramatic U-turn, decided that Austen is actually "amazing".

He explained: "I didn't really know anything about her - I pretended to watch Pride and Prejudice on the television to keep my girlfriend happy, but I didn't really take it in.

"I thought Austen was all about dresses and hair. When I actually read Emma, I was utterly surprised.

"Now I think she's amazing: very witty and quite radical. Her analysis of people and society is extremely sharp.

"So any men who think this play is soft and woolly - it's not, it's very sharp."

Taylor plays Mr Knightley in this romantic period production, alongside Midsommer Murder star Laura Howard, who takes on the role of pretty, witty and wealthy Emma Woodhouse.

Emma is at her best planning other people's lives, but each time she attempts to pair people off, it backfires.

Determined to remain single herself, she finds that love has a habit of springing its own surprises. A wonderful comedy of manners, confusions, errors and embarrassments ensues, making for — according to Taylor — "a night of hilarity".

Taylor's theatrical career began at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Since then, he has worked in film, television and radio.

He has enjoyed spells in EastEnders, where he played Cindy Beale's boyfriend Nick Holland, Channel 5 soap Family Affairs and, most recently, London's Burning, where he starred as Sean Bateman.

He said: "I was born in Hollywood but my parents are originally from Merseyside. I was bought up in Sunningdale and I have spent a lot of time in Reading. I've got friends there and in Henley.

"Acting is a bit like being a journalist in that you are doing different things all the time."

Taylor admitted his new passion for Austen does not extend as far as curling up with one of her novels for a bedtime read. He prefers non-fiction, especially political history books.

E Emma runs at The Hexagon until Saturday. For tickets, call the box office on (0118) 960 6060.